Throne of Shadows: The Conqueror (HxH)

"Aniki, thank you for the extra meat yesterday! My brother and I really enjoyed it. He said it was delicious!"

Raymond unlocked the doors to the restaurant, greeted by Taka's excited voice. Taka approached him, offering a respectful bow.

"Ah, here's the container you gave me. I cleaned it up," Taka said, handing over the food container from yesterday.

Raymond accepted the box, noticing that it wasn't cleaned very well and still had some stains on it.

However, given their location, this was probably the best cleaning job the kid could manage.

Raymond looked at Taka silently for a moment before he finally spoke up, "Help me clean up the restaurant."

"Alright!"

Taka agreed eagerly.

Together, they set about preparing the restaurant for the day's customers.

After finishing the cleaning, Raymond headed to the kitchen counter in the restaurant. He found Taka sitting patiently at one of the chairs, looking at him with curiosity.

"Have you had breakfast yet?"

"Breakfast? I never have breakfast," Taka replied honestly.

Raymond observed Taka's slightly malnourished appearance, understanding the reason now. Despite that, he was impressed by the kid's dedication as a waiter yesterday.

"Well, you'll be having one from today," Raymond spoke with a shake of his head.

"Eh? Really? But umm..."

Taka's initial surprise quickly turned into joy, but then he felt a pang of guilt at the thought of enjoying a good meal while his brother went without.

Raymond seemed to sense Taka's inner conflict, "The restaurant will open in an hour. There's plenty of time. I'll cook for two, and you can bring one back to your brother."

"But, is it okay?"

Taka asked, feeling a bit embarrassed for inconveniencing Raymond.

"It's fine, just do your job well," Raymond reassured him with a gentle shake of his head.

"Ah? T-thank you, Aniki!"

Taka replied gratefully, feeling relieved and grateful for Raymond's kindness.

Raymond began slicing the meat, the knife effortlessly gliding through its tender flesh. He placed the cuts on the counter before heading to the storage area to fetch some wood.

Meanwhile, he set aside the box container Taka had given him and crafted a new one.

Soon, the room was filled with the tantalizing aroma of sizzling meat, causing Taka's mouth to water with anticipation.

"Are we open already, Raymond?"

Luke roused from his sleep by the scent as he groggily asked and sat at the table next to Taka with his head drooping with fatigue.

"Not yet..."

Taka looked at Luke in confusion, but Raymond paid him no mind.

"What's that delicious smell? It's making me hungry..."

Logan remarked, rubbing his stomach.

"It must be Boss. He's cooking something," Jake chimed in.

"I'd love to go back to sleep, but my stomach has other plans." Adin complained, his eyes still heavy with sleep.

Gradually, everyone began to stir, drawn to the table by the irresistible aroma wafting from Raymond's cooking.

They tried to resist the urge to indulge their hunger, but their grumbling stomachs betrayed their intentions.

However...

Raymond suddenly stopped his cooking, setting aside the meat he had prepared in the newly crafted box.

He handed it to Taka who received it with gratitude before the boy left to share it with Sin.

Resuming his cooking, Raymond worked diligently until the meal was ready.

They all then gathered around the table to enjoy their breakfast together.

Once everyone had finished eating, Taka returned, signaling that it was time to open the restaurant.

"Is it finally open?"

"It appears so!"

"Welcome, everyone! Dumpster Delights is officially open for the day! Please come in!"

Taka announced with a happy grin on his face.

The hungry crowd outside, enticed by the delicious aroma emanating from the restaurant, wasted no time in flooding inside.

Meanwhile, across the city, Machi found herself still being avoided by the old man. Irritation bubbled within her as she pondered the situation.

She understood the sentimental value of Sarasa's belongings to Sakujiro.

They had tried to get them so many times before, only to face resistance and annoyance from the old man.

However, Machi couldn't help but feel frustrated by his stubbornness, especially considering the circumstances.

"But we have a good reason this time, you stubborn old fool!" she muttered under her breath as she navigated the bustling streets of the city, lost in her thoughts.

However, she then stumbled upon a bustling crowd and raised her eyebrows in curiosity. "...What's going on here?"

It was the restaurant she had encountered last night, which piqued her interest. She navigated her way through the throng of people.

However, some people in the crowd seemed familiar with her.

"Hey, didn't she left a while back with the other kids?"

"...I think so?"

They pointed fingers in her direction, diverting everyone's attention to her as she entered the restaurant.

"Hey kid, tell your boss to give me a bigger portion!"

"...No chance, he's cutting them all the same size like a madman."

As Machi stepped inside, she was greeted by a boisterous and lively atmosphere, which took her by surprise.

A kid she didn't recognize grumbled in response to a homeless man's request, who appeared to be a customer at the restaurant.

"Hahaha, come on kid, just put in a good word for me..."

The homeless man chuckled, hoping for some preferential treatment.

"...Not happening," the kid replied, annoyed, as he cleared plates from a nearby table.

"The kid's right. Besides, I'm right here so I can hear you clearly. And no, no special treatment for you," a calm voice cut through the playful banter, drawing Machi's attention to the man cooking behind the counter.

He appeared to be around her age, wearing a freshly-made apron, with sharp crimson eyes fixed on his task. 

"See, I told you..." Taka smirked mischievously at the homeless man, who scratched his head awkwardly.

"Well, as long as I get to eat the owner's cooking, I'm good."

However, as Taka turned around, he noticed a new customer entering. "Ah? My bad, I didn't see you come in. I got distracted by that annoying old man..."

"I heard that you brat!" the homeless man grumbled.

But everyone else just laughed in response, including Raymond, who chuckled softly.

"Welcome! Please take a seat over there..." Taka greeted Machi as she arrived, gesturing to an empty chair at one of the tables.

"...So, this place is really a restaurant, huh?"

Machi muttered in slight disbelief at the sight of such a place in Meteor City.

Raymond then glanced at their unexpected guest, his crimson eyes meeting her slightly bluish pupils.

He curled his lips in interest, "...Oh, it seems we have an unexpected visitor this time?"

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